Sheron Homestead

Statement of Significance

• The place has historic value for its association with the Dempster family who made a major contribution to the establishment and development of the district.
• The place has aesthetic value as a good example of a Federation Bungalow style designed by prominent architect Herbert Parry.
• The place has social value as it has been a landmark in the district, which through its longevity in the district has contributed to the community’s sense of place.

Physical Description

The Homestead is of brick construction with hipped corrugated iron roof with extended gables over projecting symmetrical bays. The verandah extends around the front and sides of the dwelling and incorporates a raised stone plinth with open timber balustrade and timber columns. The rear section of the verandah is enclosed.

The entrance to the dwelling is approached by an imposing flight of cement steps with rendered brick edging and square stump columns. The windows to the front bays are double hung timber sashes. The front door and side lights are half glazed. The roof incorporates gable vents and is pierced by two tall brick chimneys with rendered caps and single terracotta pots.

History

George Marsden Dempster, born 1876 took up hilly, virgin land facing the Bunbury to Perth Railway and there established his farm. In 1915 he married Rona Ivy, daughter of Charles and Emma Tuckey. On the first-hand recommendation of a relative, Charles Wearne, they honeymooned at the Sheron Hotel in Singapore. Wearne had established a car dealership in Singapore in 1906. On his farm in 1916, George Dempster built his bride a spacious Federation style brick home with iron roof and named it Sheron. The house was designed by Perth architect Herbert Parry.

Rona settled into farming and public life in the district. Rona joined the C.W.A. in 1931 and was State President of that body in 1947, then National President in 1948-49. Rona died in 1963, George in 1964. Their sons, Kenneth G.R. and Donald Charles, inherited Sheron which they worked in partnership with Hayvale at Wokalup where Donald lived.

In the 1980s, Sheron was sold to a different Dempster family. It was set up by Dallas Dempster, an entrepreneur behind the Burswood Casino, as stables for thoroughbred horses. Subsequent owners have run cattle on Sheron.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/ High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.